Weedless propeller guard



10h83, l941 J. c. PRlEs WEEDLESS PROPELLER GUARD Filed J an. 10, 194.0

1mm JOHN C. PRI E5.

Patented June 3, 1941 UNITED STTES PATE-g 1 Claim.

This invention relates to a weedless propeller guard.

An object of the invention is the construction of a simple and eicient device for attachment to outboard motors, to prevent grass and weeds from getting Wrapped around the propeller.

Another object of the invention is the construction of a novel device which will permit free flow of the water to the propeller, but will not allow grass, 'weeds or foreign objects to contact the propeller bl-ades, which free-running of the propeller greatly increases the efficient operation of the motor.

A still further object of the invention is the construction of a weed guard that can be fitted to all outboard motors, as well as some of the smaller inboard motors.

Another object of the invention is the conv struction of a weed guard from. two similarly constructed units or sections, each of which is provided with a clamping jaw, and with ears, whereby the sections can be eiliciently applied to the motor, and the parts of the device retained securely together.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claim.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a device constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the same mounted on a propeller, while Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same.

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation, part of the metal mesh being broken away.

Figure 4 is a rear view.

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the device, showing the two sections thereof separated.

Referring to the drawing, in which I have shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, I designates a tube for the propeller drive shaft; 2 is the oil line, and 3 is the exhaust tube. The propeller 5 is driven by suitable gearing Within casing 6, which casing has a lower end 'I.

My improved guard device comprises two similarly constructed units or sections 8 8. Each section 8 includes a curved primary bar 9 that is provided on its upper end with a clamping jaw I0, which jaw I0 terminates on its outer end in a horizontal ear II. The lower end of bar 9 terminates in an outwardly extending ear I2. 'I'.he bar 9 is provided on its lower portion with an outwardly-bowed portion I3, which portions I3 of the two sections produce a socket for receiving the lower end 'I of the casing 6. An outwardly-bowed auxiliary bar I is fastened at its ends to the jaw II] and ear I2 of the bar 9. A metal mesh I5a, is secured to the bar 9 vand bar I4, whereby, when the sections 8 are secured together, a suitable protection cover is provided for the propeller 5.

To secure the sections 8 together registering apertures I5 are provided, and normally extending through each pair of registering apertures is a screw I6. One of the apertures in each registering pair is threaded so that the screw I6 may be screwed into same, for holding the sections together. l

The clamping jaws Ill are formed of Springy material, whereby. when the screws at the upper part of the device are screwed tightly into place the jaws will clamp upon the tubes I and 3, with the lower end I in the socket formed by portions I3.

It is to be noted that the upper set of ears I I and the lower set of ears I2 accommodate each a single screw.

The mesh I5a can be of any size, `and the parts of the device can be of different sizes, to accommodate the device to different size motors, without changing the principle of the invention. By reason of the sectional structure of the device, and the eicient clamping action of the jaws II), the device can be quickly attached, or detached, as the operator desires.

While I have described the preferred embodiment of my invention and illustrated same in the accompanying drawing, certain changes or alterations may appear to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates during the eX- tensive manufacture of same, and I, therefore, reserve the right to make such changes or alterations as shall fairly fall within the scope of the appended claim.

What I claim is:

In a guard for a propeller and a vertically disposed rudder, the combination of a body open at its rear end and tapered towards its front end, said body comprising companion side sections each having a frame and a sheet of wire mesh secured along its margins to the frame, such frame consisting of a main member and an auxiliary member, the main members being each in the form of a metal strip having a vertically extending forward portion 'and upper and lower arms extending rearwardly from its ends,

having outwardly olset portions constituting jaws for gripping a vertically-extending propeller-shaft casing and an exhaust tube above a propeller and a rudder, and the lower arms 5 having portions offset outwardly to form a pocket for receiving the lower end of the rudder.

JOHN C. PRIES. 

